Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am in fear of you, lest I have bestowed on you labor in vain. Galations 4-10
The answer to the question above is a very straight forward – no. There is no place or command from God that believers are to come together and worship Him on Sunday, Saturday, or any other specific day. This concept and idea is a contrivance of man. I repeat: it is a man-made law spawned straight out of Roman Catholicism. “Church leaders” are quick to cite the Bible mentions “the first day of the week” and they have used this to erroneously support the notion this was in reference to worshiping God on Sunday. It is true the Bible mentions “the first day of the week” eight times in the New Testament, but it has nothing to do with a “church service” or a meeting on Sunday. It also has nothing to do with setting aside Sunday as a special day. As we mentioned before, in the New Testament what we call “church” did not exist when it was written.
There is nothing in God’s Word that establishes Sunday as “The Lord’s Day” or the Christian Sabbath. There’s nothing in God’s Word that even hints as Sunday being special, or that any other day is meant to be observed by believers. There is no such thing as a new Sabbath Day to replace the old Sabbath Day. There is no command to set aside one day a week as a special day to worship God and go to a place of worship made with human hands. There is no biblical basis for this false doctrine or any justification for it. It is a concept of the flesh – seeking an act or behavior birthed out of man-made tradition and calling it spiritual.
The first day of the week in the New Testament was a regular work day for those in the Jewish community. The seventh day of the week was the Sabbath, as it is written in the NT. God’s Word tells us after 3 days and nights, and after Jesus had risen, the Sabbath was still the seventh day and was before the first day of the work week. The Sabbath has always pertained to Israel only. There is no such thing as a Christian Sabbath except for a man-made rule and tradition birthed out of the desires and devices of man – not God. Again, there is absolutely no Biblical authority for setting aside Sunday as a special day of worship, Saturday, or any other day. The true emergence of this thing we call “going to “church” emanated out of Roman Catholicism.
Shortly after the death of the last apostles, men sporadically attempted and sometimes successfully appointed themselves in positions of authority over other believers and their faith. One such man was Diotrephes. John writes an account of Diotrephes’ desire to be in charge and establish preeminence over other men. We will eventually write an article about good ole Diotrephes. Such self appointed men seeking to control other believers after Jesus death occurred time to time, and those ignorant about Christ followed them. Such is the case today.
The false mandate and man-made law that believers are to attend this thing we call “church” on Sunday, ultimately came courtesy of Constantine, Emperor of Rome. He chose Sunday because of his admiration for the Sun god – Mithras – which in Greek mythology meant the “The Unconquered Sun”. Constantine was well immersed in pagan philosophies and rituals. The vast majority of our man-made “church” traditions and customs manifested out of paganism.
By 324, Constantine became the emperor of the Roman Empire. He ordered the construction of “church buildings,” and many of the pagan temples already in existence to be used as “churches.” Although Constantine converted to Christianity, he was still heavily influenced by paganism and superstition. The concept of going to “church” is a contrivance birthed out of Catholicism, and ultimately became a decree issued by Constantine. Make no mistake – the Catholic Church was first, and is were the Protestant Church adopted their bulk of their customs and traditions. The “Protestant Church” is just as idolatrous as the “Catholic Church.”
Incidentally, the pagan philosophy of sun worship by Constantine was also reflected on Roman currency. His coins continued to bare the sun on them, and he erected a statue of the sun god, Mithras in the Forum of Constantinople. In 321 AD, Constantine declared that Sunday would be a day of rest, and the day to attend the institutions he built – called “churches.” A side note here: A mosaic was eventually discovered at St. Peters Basilica called mind you – “Christ as the Unconquered Sun.”
Because men in their carnal nature have set up this false notion of a Sunday/Saturday observance; it may be helpful to look at the eight verses that have been misused and abused to support this false notion.
Now in the end of the Sabbath, when the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, came to see the sepulcher. Matthew 28:1
Organized religious participants attempt to assert that it means one day in seven, but as you can see, this demonstrates the women came after Christ death. The Sabbath still existed and it was the seventh day of the week.
And when the Sabbath day was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Salome, bought sweet ointments, that they might come and anoint him. Therefore early in the morning, the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulcher, when the Sun was now risen. Mark 16:1-2
and
And when Jesus was risen again, early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils: Mark 16:9
Mark acknowledges as did Matthew, that the Sabbath was the 7th day. Keep in mind most believers were still in the communities they grew up in and were part of the Jewish faith. There were Christian believers so ingrained in the law, they continued to participate in the Jewish religion and its’ traditions. They still operated as if they were under the law because it was all they had ever known. Even then, some who actually laid eyes on Jesus still rejected the gift of freedom He provided. Why? Because their flesh needed to see something, to be under someone, and to do something to make their faith more real…sounds familiar?
Now the first day of the week early in the morning, they came unto the sepulcher, and brought the odors which they had prepared, and certain women with them. Luke 24:1
and
Now the first day of the week came Mary Magdalene, early when it was yet dark, unto the sepulcher, and saw the stone taken away from the tomb. John 20:1
These two verses collaborate the three verses above, with the same meaning.
The same day then at night, which was the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and said to them, Peace be unto you. John 20:19
This happened after the Sabbath – being the first day of the week, it was an ordinary work day. The doors were locked because the disciples were afraid those in the Jewish community would seek to harm them after Christ’s crucifixion. They feared for their safety. For them every day to them was the same with Jesus, whom they had spent the last 3 years with. The disciples did not set aside this day as special, for at that time they did not believe Christ had risen. This was absolutely not a designated meeting or command from God. See the verse below where Jesus admonishes them for not believing.
Finally, he appeared unto the eleven as they sat together, and reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him, being risen up again. Mark 16:14
There is no authority from Scripture or hint of recognition that Sunday was to be set aside as special, reverential, or the new Christian Sabbath. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, and we find our rest in Him every day. No longer are believers under the law as in the Old Testament – the New Testament makes this abundantly clear. But “church leaders” have misled God’s people into thinking this is His will, and they (meaning you and others) have allowed themselves to be misled.
Yes, God will judge “church leaders” for deceiving His people, but He will also judge you for following men and embracing their customs over the truth. He will judge you for ignoring His Word and the voice of the Holy Spirit. On judgment day, your proclamation, “This is what I’ve been taught” will not wash. He will tell you that you made the choice to follow and submit to men over the simple truth in His Word. He will remind you of how you accepted the word of men, when something inside told you their words did not align to the Scriptures. He will remind you of the times He drew your attention to this false gospel, but nevertheless, you turned from Him in order to keep and safeguard the traditions and customs you cherish.
Back to more scripture in the New Testament regarding the “first day of the week”…
And the first day of the week, the disciples being come together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow, and continued the preaching unto midnight. Acts 20:7
Now, we have a gathering of the disciples and other believers who listened to Paul as he spoke on a Saturday night until early in the next day. That next day was Sunday when everyone returned to work – doing the labor they normally engaged in. There was no significance to that Saturday night or early Sunday morning when Paul spoke – it just was the day Paul happened to be there proclaiming the good news about Jesus Christ.
When Paul spoke, it was not a sermon – Roman paganism is where the one man sermon came from. Paul had conversations with those who were present, and again, this gathering was not in adherence to any religious custom. Paul did not place himself in charge – nor did people just listened the entire time and remained silent. They all spoke with each other, as God intended believers to speak with one another. That same day (Sunday morning), Paul set out, and walked to Troas to Assos – again, it was a common workday.
Every first day of the week, let every one of you put aside by himself, and lay up as God hath prospered him, that then there be no gatherings when I come. And when I am come, whomsoever ye shall allow by letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me. I Corinthians 16:2-4
This is one of the favorite verses of the “institutional church” and its’ leaders – and is one of the most abused and intentionally misused verses around. The collection Paul was referring to was not money for a preacher, or a “church building,” or an organization (that did not exist) – nor was it for evangelism or missions. This collection was for food each one in the community (The Church – actually the Ecclesia) stored at home to give to those in Jerusalem who were facing severe famine and drought at the time. Some Bibles state it was money instead of fruit, although earlier editions and the original Scriptures state it was fruit. “Fruit” in the original Greek Scriptures referred to food, wine, grain, etc.
Paul was picking up the collection, and then was headed to Jerusalem from Corinth to give the fruit to those who were facing drought. He wanted upon his arrival at Corinth for everyone to have the food ready. When Paul arrived, he asked for company to help him carry it to Jerusalem and deliver it. Stop and think about it: If it was just money being delivered, he would not require help carrying it. And rest assured the collection was for the poor and those facing famine. It was not for any “church organization,’ pastor or priest, which did not even exist at the time.
Now, lets look at more regarding the Sabbath in both the Old and New Testament.
Afterward the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, and say, Notwithstanding keep ye my Sabbaths: for it is a sign between me and you in your generations, that ye may know that I the Lord do sanctify you. Ye shall therefore keep the Sabbath: for it is holy unto you: he that defileth it, shall die the death: therefore whosoever worketh therein, the same person shall be even cut off from among his people. Six days shall men work, but in the seventh day is the Sabbath of the holy rest to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath day, shall die the death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, that they may observe the rest throughout their generations for an everlasting Covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made the heaven and the earth, and in the seventh day he ceased and rested. Exodus 31:12-17
When Jesus died on the cross, the Sabbath Day was abolished. In the Old Covenant man’s rest was on the seventh day, but through Jesus we find rest in Him every day. For the son of man is Lord, even of the Sabbath. Matthew 12:8 NOWHERE in God’s Word does it mention Sunday or the first day of the week as the new Sabbath Day. NOWHERE is a command or even a statement that we are to honor God on Sunday with a special meeting, or set any other day aside to worship God in a group. God’s Word made it clear that the law was not for the Gentiles. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath – He replaced the Sabbath Day.
And he said to them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Wherefore the Son of man is Lord, even of the Sabbath. Mark 2:27
For when the Gentiles which have not the Law, do by nature the things contained in the Law, they having not the Law, are a Law unto themselves. Romans 2:14
Through Jesus death and resurrection on the cross, the law was no more, including the Sabbath Day. Now we are under a covenant of grace. Jesus Christ fulfilled the law and redeemed all of mankind from it; including the Sabbath and the laws God gave unto Moses.
And putting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, he even took it out of the way, and fastened it upon the cross, And hath spoiled the Principalities, and Powers, and hath made a show of them openly, and hath triumphed over them in the same cross. Let no man therefore condemn you in meat and drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days, Which are but a shadow of things to come: but the body is in Christ. Colossians. 2:14-17.
There are no more special holy days or days to be observed. There is no day in the New Testament that God requires believers to observe. You can search it for years, but it is not there. You will not find it God’s Word – you will only find it in man’s word. We know that’s hard for many to hear, but it is true. It is men who came up with rules and traditions regarding specific days, and even some holidays. In the New Testament, Paul confronted this work of the flesh and chastised the men who orchestrated this bondage.
But now seeing ye know God, yea, rather are known of God, how turn ye again unto impotent and beggarly rudiments, whereunto as from the beginning ye will be in bondage again? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am in fear of you, lest I have bestowed on you labor in vain. Galations 4:9-11
Today, most believers are still in bondage of the law with the help of “church leaders” who rely on their support. This is the reason why the worldly and unbiblical concept that we are to set aside a special day to worship Jesus still abounds. It is in effect the Jewish version of the Christian Sabbath. Not only this is a false teaching, but it is completely based in the idolatrous motives and desires of man – the flesh. God’s Word clearly state that no day is above any other day under the New Covenant.
Christianity was brand new after the death of Christ. Back then the New Testament had not been written, and learning about Jesus was all done through word of mouth. The overwhelming majority of believers met with each other every day by coexisting and having fellowship among each other. When they met it was not a requirement or an obligation – they met in the freedom Jesus provided to every believer to worship God anytime or anywhere. Acts 2:42-46
There were, however; some believers who indeed met on Sunday, because on Saturday they continued to observe the Jewish Sabbath. They still believed in their natural minds, they were to pattern themselves after Jewish religious traditions. They still fashioned themselves after the law and they were held hostage to their old religious mindset. They did not understand their freedom in Christ, as we do not understand it today. They continue to embrace the law, as we continue to embrace the law today.
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galations 5:1
When believers met, it was a casual event usually at homes where they typically ate a meal together. Some met in the temple courtyard or other places, but not under the guise as if it was mandatory or was a requirement. It would be the same as if of you met a group of friends or family to talk about Jesus, or pray for each other, or encourage each other. These believers were a small subset of the Jewish population. It is a historical and biblical fact these believers became outsiders in their community. Sometimes the group would be larger (such as when Paul came and spoke in Acts 20:7), but most of the time they met spontaneously, or just through their normal day to day living.
When believers did meet with each other, there was no pastor or priest in charge. There were elders who lived in the community that guided other believers, but they led by example – not by any position or authority. There was no designated place of worship. Worshiping Jesus Christ was not about a rule or traditions, or fulfilling some sort of obligation. It was about fellowship and encouraging each other, talking about Christ, and utilizing each other’s gifts. It was not about attending “church” (which really did not happened until the birth of the “Catholic Church.” Again, most believers had fellowship with each other everyday. Fellowship was organic, fluid, alive – it was not based in mandates and doctrines.
There was no such abomination as what we call the sermon today when they met – they would had not stood for such a display. They would never allow any man to usurp Christ’s Lordship in their lives. But historically speaking, believers after Christ’s death spoke of Him every day, they worshiped Him every day. No day was set aside as being more special than another – nor was there a prerequisite to meet once, twice, three, or a number of days a week. God wants us to have fellowship with other believers, but not when it violates His word, or is based in the law and man-made traditions.
Upon Jesus death, He became the Sabbath by providing rest to the believer’s soul. The Jewish Sabbath was rest to the physical body. God has NEVER in His Word ordered a Christian to keep a Sabbath Day or set aside a specific day to worship Him under the New Covenant. Search God’s Word up and down – you won’t find it. Men will tell you this is the case, and heap a load of demonic guilt upon your shoulders, but it is their laws – not God’s. This false teaching has actually been catastrophic to the Kingdom of God, but those who are walking in the flesh are incapable of seeing this. In truth – they don’t want to see it.
This one false doctrine has gravely destroyed our witness to the world. Why? First, this false teaching tells us and convey to non-believers that we are still under law. Second, it is in effect a rejection of the grace and freedom Jesus provided to us on the cross. Third, it allows men to usurp Christ’s Lordship in our lives. Fourth, it has made Christianity like all the other religions in the world: where people are under the dominion of a man or woman, and are required to enter a “temple/church” made with human hands to worship their god. Fifth, and perhaps the most deadly of all, it plays right into Satan’s hand, by misrepresenting to the world what Jesus is all about. What we call “church” represents to the world that Jesus’ love and our salvation is conditional, and is contingent on what you do instead of who you are.
I don’t recall who the author was, but I wrote down these words because he or she summed up the issue so well. “ The individual who tells you on a given day that you must attend this thing we call “church,” is not preaching Christ at all. He is preaching human efforts and is making the death of Christ of no effect. He is frustrating the grace of God.” Do you realize when you embrace man’s customs and legalistic doctrines, that it can alienate Jesus Christ in your life? But even just a tragic, you are alienating Christ in the life of others when you assert to them a false gospel based on law, traditions, and the doctrines of man.
You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. Galations 5:4
“And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” Thessalonians 2:11-12
To return to the old way and continue to worship under the law is to reject the sacrifice and freedom Jesus provided us by dying on the cross. It is a betrayal of the very gift we have with Him now. We are to worship God every day – every day is now a day of rest in our soul. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath – and that day is every day, 365 days a year. As you can see, God’s Word in the New Testament makes it crystal clear that no day is above the rest. We want to blame others for not believing in God as we preach freedom in Christ, while we ourselves are not free and remain in bondage to the law. Others see this and it completely undermines our message about Jesus Christ. Make no mistake – whenever you assert the false concept of “church” you are preaching death – not life to others.
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in destructive, untrue teachings, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their destructive ways; by reason of whom the way of truth will be defamed. 2 Peter 2:1-2